Footy in the red

Footy in the centre is $90 000 in the red before the season even kicks off.

The financial pendulum has swung considerably given the league reported a profit of almost $80 000 in 2007.

The figures now unveil a picture that shows the AFL in Central Australia's financial situation has changed by some $150 000 leaving them $90 000 in debt.

General Manager of the league Jake McCauley says the current situation is concerning.

"Obviously the financials in the cold light of day don't read well," says McCauley.

But he argues the situation is not quite as dire as it may seem.

"There was just over $20 000 in stock that wasn't accounted for in 2007 in the audit which brings that profit closer down towards $50 000, and the loss last year down to $69 000 which obviously still isn't a great result, it's quite a poor financial year."

McCauley says the league has been working both internally and with AFL NT to ensure they are profitable in 2009.

Sponsorship dollars dry up

The league's decision to stop selling alcohol in some areas at games saw it pick up a lucrative sponsorship deal with the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation.

The deal worth $110 000 a year over three years ran out last year and according to McCauley has left a major hole in the budget.

He says a return to liquor sales can't be ruled out in future years although he acknowledges there is broad support in town to keep the current ban in place.

"We've had to have some pretty stringent financial measures put in place like any business that's had a poor financial year, the first items to look at are expenditure and we have put a red line in cost cutting to make sure we are more financially viable in 2009," says McCauley.

But he won't reveal what's on the chopping block as a result just that the league aims to make more financially prudent decisions.